Big Concerns About Hair Relaxers and Cancer
There are growing concerns about chemical hair relaxers and straighteners and their possible link to serious health problems like uterine, ovarian, and endometrial cancer.
Many popular products contain harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, which is known to be dangerous. Even though Europe has stronger warnings, the U.S. has been slower to act. The FDA has delayed a possible ban on formaldehyde in hair relaxers until at least September 2024.
Ongoing Legal Action: Hair Relaxer Lawsuits Update (October 2024)
1. New Wrongful Death Case Filed
A woman in Georgia is suing after her mother died from uterine cancer, which she believes was caused by long-term use of hair relaxers. The lawsuit says manufacturers didn’t properly test or label the products.
2. Common Benefit Fees Limited
A judge in Chicago has kept a limit on the legal fees lawyers can collect from settlements in this lawsuit group (called MDL). The fee remains 11% for cases settled inside the MDL, but not for cases outside of it.
3. Class Action Lawsuit Moves Forward
A judge is allowing a class action case where customers can ask for reimbursement for hair relaxer products they bought without knowing the health risks.
4. Small Drop in Case Numbers
After a big rise in August, 98 cases were dropped in September. There are now 8,393 pending cases.
5. Document Battle with Strength of Nature
Plaintiffs are demanding important documents related to a uterine cancer study. They say these documents are vital and should not be hidden.
6. New Cancer Lawsuits Filed
- A woman from Virginia is suing after being diagnosed with endometrial cancer.
- Another woman from Tennessee says relaxers caused her endometrial cancer and uterine fibroids.
7. Court Allows Economic Loss Claims
Plaintiffs can move forward with claims for economic losses—including the cost of buying harmful products and the increased risk of cancer.
8. Ongoing Issues with L’Oréal
Lawyers are pushing L’Oréal USA to hand over documents from its parent company, L’Oréal S.A., accusing them of trying to dodge responsibility.
9. Attorney Fee Proposal
Lawyers have asked the court to hold back 8% of all attorney fees to fairly distribute payment for legal work that benefits all plaintiffs.
10. Paul Mitchell Dismissal Request Opposed
Plaintiffs are fighting back against John Paul Mitchell Systems’ attempt to be removed from the lawsuit.
11. Big Spike in August Cases
Over 200 new lawsuits were added to the MDL in August—the highest increase in months.
12. Trouble with Revlon
Lawyers say Revlon isn’t cooperating with the court’s document orders and have filed a motion to force them to comply.
13. Walmart and CVS Removed
Walmart and CVS will not be included as defendants in the main lawsuit because they had limited involvement.
14. Non-Cancer Claims May Be Dropped
Plaintiffs have asked the court to dismiss all non-cancer cases for now, with the option to file them again later.
What’s the Risk with Hair Relaxers?
You may think your hair routine is safe, but many chemical hair products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like parabens and formaldehyde. These can mess with your hormones and may increase your risk of getting cancer.
Hair Relaxers
These products work by breaking the natural bonds in your hair. But repeated use increases your exposure to harmful chemicals.
Keratin Treatments
While great for smooth, frizz-free hair, many keratin products release toxic gases when heat is applied—especially in salons with poor airflow.
What the Science Says
Research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that frequent use of hair relaxers may significantly raise the risk of uterine cancer.
In response, the FDA is reviewing whether to ban formaldehyde in hair products to help keep people safe.
Higher Impact on Black Women
These harmful products have been heavily marketed to Black women, who often use them from a young age. Studies show that Black women are at a higher risk due to more frequent use.
Taking Action: Get the Help You Deserve
If you or someone you love developed health issues after using chemical hair relaxers, you may be eligible for compensation.
You could receive money for:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional stress
